Wearing a purple jacket and maxi dress, she was in the company of Markus Anderson, previously described by Meghan as one of her "closest friends in the world" and said to have introduced her to Prince Harry.

Ms Markle stood for the Canadian national anthem, and was seen nodding emphatically as Justin Trudeau delivered a speech praising servicemen and women who "serve their country with passion and integrity".

Dancing in her seat to the music performances, she appeared particularly enamoured with two young hosts of the Games; children who compered sections of the event in the Toronto arena.

At one point, the Prince was seen glancing in her direction across the arena aisle, while one of his protection officers stood guard near the actress.

As soon as the Prince's opening speech was finished, Ms Markle left the arena immediately, making a quick getaway before the crowds.

Britain's Prince Harry speaks during the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games in TorontoCredit: Mark Blinch/Reuters

The Prince too made his exit from the main seats.

He had told Invictus competitors the games " is about the dedication of the men and women who served their countries, confronted hardship, and refused to be defined by their injuries."

He added: "Invictus is about the families and friends who faced the shock of learning that their loved ones had been injured or fallen ill - and then rallied to support them on their journey of recovery.

"And above all, Invictus is about the example to the world that all service men and women - injured or not - provide about the importance of service and duty."

Speaking directly to athletes, he told them: "You have all come such a long way.

Meghan Markle watches the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games in TorontoCredit: Mark Glinch/Reuters

"Some of you have cheated death and come back stronger than before.

"Some of you have overcome emotional challenges that until very recent years would have seen you written off and ignored.

" And now you are here. On the world stage, flags on your chests, representing your countries again, supporting your teammates, and looking up into the stands, and into the eyes of your friends and families.

"You are all winners."

The Invictus competition gets underway on Sunday with wheelchair tennis and athletics.